In checking out an email notification that I had a new follower on Twitter–Ellen Wade Beals–I came across this Robert Frost poem on her website Solace in a Book. I don’t ever remember finding such depth of meaning in these words of Frost’s, which I had read before–hadn’t I?–so much so that when I read it through for the second time hours later, examining each word with a critical eye, I found no mention of redemption, purpose and soul. Perhaps, like that very first time I read the poem all those years ago, I was reading it with my mind again, and not my heart.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
this is a tough poem but I got through it LOL thanks for sharing !!
Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie! It just hit me right, this time.
Much like you had to re-read the poem that I know I read several times before. With that, I was able to truly visualize being at a fork in road and choose the road that I thought was less traveled. Great post Rossandra!
So glad that happened for you too, Kyna. Thanks for stopping by.
I love that poem!
Yess! Thanks for stopping by, Diane.
Visual images can be so compelling. Sometimes I think when we read poetry like this in our youth we don’t have the life experience yet to truly appreciate the deeper meaning. At the young age of 58 – this reads very different! It was refreshing to read again and remember the times I stood at that fork in the road. My choices have made all the difference. Thank you!
Yes indeed. Thanks so much for stopping by Kathi.
It’s not a surprise that this poem is often quoted and shared, it’s so simple and profound at the same time. This is one I often pull out and re-read and am amazed at the nuances I find with each new reading. Today I can say that like Frost, I am happiest when I take the road less travelled. Thanks for starting my new year with this poem, Rossandra.
You’re so welcome, Minette. Thanks for the visit.
I absolutely love that poem! Thanks for sharing!
It’s a good one. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m glad you picked this poem to write about, Rossandra. It had always touched me very deeply. Since I have also sung Randall Thompson’s choral arrangement of this poem many times, I usually hear the music in my mind as I read it. To me it speaks of being true to one’s deeper self rather than following the expectations of others.
I have never heard it sung. Seems to me it would deepen the experience. Thanks for stopping by.